Utility scaffolding having safety features

ABSTRACT

Scaffolding ( 10 ) having safety features for coupling scaffolding structural members so as to prevent equipment damage and worker injury from inadvertent disassembly, while permitting quick assembly and disassembly when desired. The scaffolding ( 10 ) incorporating the safety features broadly comprises legs ( 12 ); beams ( 14 ); a platform ( 16 ); coupling braces ( 18 ); platform pins ( 20 ); and platform clips ( 22 ). The first safety feature is a rounded, spring-biased, rotation-limited G-pin for adjustably coupling the beams ( 14 ) with the legs ( 12 ). The G-pin&#39;s rounded shape and a perpendicularly projecting stop ( 51 ) minimize risks of inadvertent removal. The second feature is a lockable pin ( 44 ) operable to independently couple structural members ( 12,14 ) in the event the G-pin is inadvertently removed. The third and fourth features are platform pins ( 20 ) and spring-biased platform clips ( 22 ) operable to prevent, respectively, undesirable horizontal and vertical movement of the platform ( 16 ).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/776,334 filedJan. 19, 2001, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to scaffolding for providing anelevated work surface. More particularly, the invention relates tosafety features for securing assembled scaffolding to preventinadvertent disassembly and potentially resulting damage and injury.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Those ordinarily skilled in the art will appreciate thatscaffolding is designed to be easily and quickly assembled where neededand disassembled for subsequent transport or storage. Unfortunately, inproviding quickly connectable/disconnectable scaffolding assemblymechanisms, many existing scaffolding systems sacrifice safety and areprone to inadvertent and unsafe disassembly potentially resulting indamage or injury.

[0006] Such scaffolding is typically modular, with each modulecomprising four vertical legs, two horizontal beams, four couplingbraces, and a work surface or platform, with the braces adjustablycoupling the beams to the legs, and the work surface resting upon thebeams.

[0007] Existing scaffolding systems typically use L-pins for couplingthe braces with the legs. The legs and braces are each provided with aplurality of alignable first and second holes, respectively, throughwhich the L-pins may be inserted. Platform height may be adjusted byremoving the L-pins, repositioning the coupling braces to the desiredheight on the legs and replacing the L-pins in the corresponding alignedfirst and second holes. One disadvantage of the L-pin design is that itpresents a projecting handle portion prone to catching on passingobjects which can cause the L-pin to be inadvertently removed from theholes, thereby uncoupling the brace from the leg. This is particularlytrue where vibration in the scaffolding or other circumstances cause theL-pin to rotate so that its projecting handle portion extends outwardlyin a manner especially suited to catch or snag upon passing objects.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] The present invention solves the above-described and otherproblems and provides a distinct advance in the art of safe scaffolding.More particularly, the present invention provides features which may beused in combination or independently to more safely and securely couplescaffolding members, including coupling the braces to the legs and theplatform to the beams.

[0009] The first feature provides a round-handled, spring-biased,rotation-limited G-pin for adjustably coupling the legs to the braces.The G-pin is removably insertable into aligned first and second holesin, respectively, the leg and brace members, and includes aperpendicularly projecting stop, preferably a small roll pin, whichprevents the G-pin from rotating outwardly and exposing itself topassing objects. The rounded shape of the G-pin's handle furtherminimizes potential snagging.

[0010] The second feature provides a lockable pin operable to supportthe coupling brace in the event the G-pin is inadvertently removed. Thelocking pin is insertable through a second pair of aligned first andsecond holes, parallel to the G-pin. The locking pin preferably extendscompletely through the brace and leg so as to provide a protrudingportion adapted to receive a fastener.

[0011] The third and fourth features act to prevent inadvertent movementof the platform relative to the beams. The third feature providesplatform pins welded or otherwise secured to the beams and risingupwardly therefrom to fit into pin holes drilled into the platform. Oncethe platform pins are received within the pin holes, the platform isprevented from shifting horizontally off of the beams. The fourthfeature provides spring-biased C-clips operable to engage the beams andplatform so as to prevent relative vertical movement therebetween andensure that the platform will not inadvertently lift off the platformpins due, for example, to warping or vibration.

[0012] These novel features provide a safer and more reliablescaffolding structure than currently exists in the art, and aredescribed in more detail in the section entitled DESCRIPTION OF APREFERRED EMBODIMENT, below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described indetail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of scaffolding incorporatingpreferred embodiments of the four safety features of the presentinvention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a fragmentary isometric view of a portion of thescaffolding of FIG. 1 showing in detail preferred embodiments of a firsttwo of the safety features of the present invention; and

[0016]FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a portion of the scaffolding of FIG.1 showing in detail preferred embodiments of a second two of the safetyfeatures of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, scaffolding 10 is shown operable to providean elevated work surface for one or more workers. It should be notedthat the present invention is for safety features for securely couplingscaffolding structural members so as to permit quick and easy assemblyand disassembly thereof while preventing potential equipment damage andworker injury resulting from inadvertent disassembly. These safetyfeatures are independent of any particular scaffolding design, type, orbrand, and are not limited to the particular scaffolding 10 shown forillustrative purposes only.

[0018] The scaffolding 10 broadly comprises four legs 12; two beams 14;a platform 16; four coupling braces 18; four platform pins 20; and twoplatform clips 22. The legs 12 are vertical support members forelevating the scaffolding structure. The legs 12 may vary in appearanceand design but are preferably elongated hollow square or round tubes. Aplurality of cross-bars 26 are welded between pairs of legs 12 toproduce an end-frame unit of two fixedly-spaced legs and a ladder-likestructure therebetween for allowing workers easier access to theelevated platform 16.

[0019] Each leg 12 includes a plurality of first holes 28 drilledtherethrough at spaced intervals corresponding to the various possibleheights to which the work platform 16 may be elevated. The number ofsuch holes 28 is a matter of design choice. In a less preferredembodiment, only one or two holes are provided, in which case the worksurface height is not adjustable.

[0020] The beams 14 are horizontal support members providing horizontalsupport for the scaffolding structure and, in particular, the platform16. The beams 14 may vary in appearance and design but, when assembled,are supported by the coupling braces 18 to extend between the legs 12.

[0021] As is best shown in FIG. 3, the preferred beam 14 comprises aback 56; a top and bottom 57,58; and a lip 60. The back 56 is anelongated rectangular piece of material, preferably metal, having firstand second long edges and first and second short edges. The top andbottom 57,58 extend perpendicularly outward from, respectively, thefirst and second long edges. The lip 60 extends perpendicularly from thetop 57 and parallel to the back 56. The work surface 16 rests upon thetop 57 of the beam 14, and abuts the lip 60 which helps to preventundesired movement of the properly positioned platform 16.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the platform 16 provides a worksurface operable, when supported by the beams 14 and elevated by thelegs 12, to support one or more workers and their equipment. Theplatform 16 may vary in appearance and design but is preferably{fraction (5/8)} inch plywood or other material of similar strength. Theplatform 16 preferably includes handholds 30 cut thereinto to allow foreasier handling, and pin holes 32 drilled therethrough to accommodatethe platform pins 20 as described below.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, the coupling braces 18 are shown operable toadjustably and securely couple the legs 12 with the beams 14 whilepermitting quick and easy assembly and disassembly thereof. Eachcoupling brace 18 comprises a sleeve 40; a G-pin 42; a locking pin 44;and a bracket 46.

[0024] A first portion of the sleeve 40 allows the brace 18 to beadjustably coupled with the leg 14. The sleeve 40 slidably fits over theleg 14 and presents at least two second holes 48 alignable with two ofthe first holes 28 in the leg 14. A second portion of the sleeve 40 ispreferably welded or otherwise secured to the beam 14.

[0025] The G-pin 42 is operable to be retractably inserted through oneof the second holes 48 and into or through one of the first holes 28,thereby securing the sleeve 40 to the leg 12. The G-pin 42 is preferablyretained within and guided by a pin guide 50 projecting from the beam 14and having at least one guide hole for receiving and slidably passingtherethrough the G-pin 42. The G-pin 42 is preferably spring-biased by aspring (not shown) which must be actuated in order to position thesleeve 40 for insertion and removal of the G-pin 42 into and from thefirst holes 28.

[0026] The G-pin 42 includes a projecting handle portion 43 for grippingwhen inserting or removing the G-pin 42. Although the handle portion 43is preferably rounded, being G- or O-shaped, it may be more generallysaid that the pin 42 preferably includes a handle portion 43 which firstprojects away from the pin's axis and then curves or bends back towardthe axis in such a manner so as to be less likely to catch or snag uponpassing objects.

[0027] To further minimize potential snagging, the G-pin 42 includes aperpendicularly projecting rollpin 51 or other projection being of alength and positioned so that, when the G-pin 42 is rotated outwardly,the rollpin 51 contacts a portion of the pin guide 50, beam 14, or leg12 and prevents further rotation. Thus, the rollpin 51 restricts theG-pin 42 from rotating outwardly into a position whereby it wouldprotrude beyond the leg and beam 12,14 and be more likely to snagpassing objects.

[0028] As will be appreciated by those with skill in the art, in someapplications it may be desirable to eliminate the G-shaped pin 42 of thepresent invention, retain the L-shaped or other pin conventionally used,and minimize snagging risks by severely limiting pin rotation using therollpin 51 or a variation thereof. This is a generally less desirableembodiment because pin movement will be so restricted as to hamperefficient assembly and disassembly of the scaffolding. Nevertheless, itshould be noted that the rollpin's anti-rotation function does notrequire a particular pin or pin shape.

[0029] The locking pin 44 is operable to independently couple thecoupling brace 18 with the leg 12 in the event that the G-pin 42 isinadvertently withdrawn. The locking pin 44 removably inserts intoaligned first and second holes 28,48 spaced apart from and parallel tothe G-pin 42. Unlike the G-pin 42, the locking pin 44 is neitherspring-biased nor rotationally limited, nor is it retained by a pinguide. Instead, the locking pin 44 preferably includes a first end 49presenting a stop, and a second end 47 operable to receive a fastener45. The nature of the fastener 45 is a matter of design choice, but maybe a hexnut, wingnut, cotter pin, C-clip, or other suitable fastener. Ina preferred embodiment, the locking pin 44 is of such a length that,when inserted through the first and second holes 28,28, the second end47 protrudes beyond the leg 12 and sleeve 40 so that a wire yolk 45 maybe attached to the first and second ends 43,47 of the inserted lockingpin 44 thereby preventing the pin's inadvertent removal.

[0030] The bracket 46, is supportively secured at one end to the sleeve40 and at another end to the beam 14, thereby providing additionalstructural support for the platform-supporting member 14.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, there are preferably four platform pins 20per platform 16, the pins being welded or otherwise secured in anupright position to the beams 14. The platform pins 20 are receivedwithin the platform holes 32 when the platform 16 is properly placedupon the beams 14. The engaged relationship of the platform pins 20 andholes 32 restricts horizontal movement of the platform 16, therebypreventing it from inadvertently slipping off the beam 14.

[0032] The platform clips 22 may be applied once the platform 16 isproperly placed upon the beams 14 and the platform pins 20 are receivedwithin the pin holes 32. A mounting pin 70 projects perpendicularly fromthe back 56 of the beam 14, and a lower leg portion of the platform clip22 presents a hole through which the mounting pin 70 may be inserted. Aspring 71 surrounding the mounting pin 70 biases the clip 22 against theback 56 of the beam 14. A top portion of the clip 22 is operable to slipover the lip 60 of the beam 14 to retractably engage the platform 16 andrestrict vertical movement thereof. Thus, the platform clips 22 preventthe platform 16 from lifting off the platform pins 20, making themparticularly desirable where work surfaces may warp due to moisture orbend under a load. When either of these situations occur, without theplatform clips 22 the surface 16 might lift off of the platform pins 20and over the lip 60 and slip off of the beams 14. Thus, the platformpins 20 and clips 22 operate together to prevent platform 16 movement.

[0033] In operation, to assemble the scaffolding 10, each G-pin 50 isretracted from its spring-biased position, the legs 12 are placed withinthe sleeves 40 of the coupling braces 18, and the first and second holes28,28 aligned according to the desired platform height 16. The G-pins 42may then be released so that they pass through the second holes 48 andinto the first holes, thereby securely coupling the sleeves 40 with thelegs 12. The locking pins 44 may thereafter be inserted into first andsecond holes parallel to the G-pins, and secured with the fasteners 45.

[0034] The platform 16 is then positioned so that the platform pins 20of the beams 14 are received within the pin holes 32 of the platform 16.The platform clips 22 are pulled away from the back 56 of the beam 14until the upper portion of the clip 22 can be rotated over the lip 60and platform 16. The platform clip 22 is then released to return to itsspring-biased position, thereby securely engaging the platform 16 andholding it firmly upon the beam 14.

[0035] Disassembly of the scaffolding 10 is accomplished by performingthe preceding described steps in reverse order.

[0036] Although the invention has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it isnoted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made hereinwithout departing from the scope of the invention as recited in theclaims. In particular, the present invention is for safety features forsecurely and safely coupling scaffolding structural members, and isindependent of any particular scaffolding design, type, or brand.

[0037] Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention,what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patentincludes the following:

1. Scaffolding for providing an elevated work surface, the scaffoldingcomprising: a platform defining the work surface; a vertical supportmember having a plurality of first holes and presenting an outermostside margin; a horizontal support member for supporting the platform; acoupling mechanism slidably received on the vertical support member andfixed relative to the horizontal support member to adjustably couple thevertical support member with the horizontal support member, the couplingmechanism including at least one second hole alignable with any one ofthe first holes; and a pin including a straight portion insertable intoan aligned pair of first and second holes, and a handle portionprojecting first away from and then back towards the straight portion,said pin being rotatable when the straight portion is inserted into thealigned pair of holes such that the handle portion is positionable toproject outwardly beyond the outermost side margin of the verticalsupport member.
 2. The scaffolding as set forth in claim 1, the handleportion being substantially G-shaped.
 3. The scaffolding set as setforth in claim 1; and a rotation-limiting mechanism associated with thepin and operable to selectively limit the ability of the inserted pin torotate, said rotation-limiting mechanism including a projection coupledto the pin and being spaced from the aligned pair of holes when thestraight portion is inserted into the aligned pair of holes.
 4. Thescaffolding as set forth in claim 3, said projection being transverselycoupled to the pin and operable when the pin is rotated to contact anadjacent portion of the scaffolding, rotation of the pin being therebylimited to the spatial relationship between the rotation-limitingmechanism and the adjacent portion of the scaffolding.
 5. Thescaffolding set as set forth in claim 1, said horizontal support memberbeing vertically adjustable relative to the vertical support member. 6.The scaffolding set as set forth in claim 5, said plurality of firstholes being vertically spaced apart from one another, each of said firstholes being associated with the horizontal support member being in acorresponding vertical adjustment relative to the vertical supportmember so that when the pin is inserted into the aligned pair of holesthe horizontal support member is retained in the corresponding verticaladjustment.
 7. Scaffolding for providing an elevated work surface, thescaffolding comprising: a platform defining the work surface; a verticalsupport member including a plurality of spaced apart first holes; ahorizontal support member for supporting the platform; a couplingmechanism slidably received on the vertical support member and fixedrelative to the horizontal support member to adjustably couple thevertical support member with the horizontal support member, the couplingmechanism including at least two spaced apart second holes, with each ofthe second holes being simultaneously alignable with a respective one ofthe first holes to result in a first and second pair of aligned holes; apin including a straight portion insertable into the first pair ofaligned holes, and a handle portion; and a locking pin insertable intothe second pair of aligned holes when the straight portion is insertedinto the first pair of aligned holes, the locking pin having a lockingmechanism for preventing inadvertent removal of the locking pin when thelocking pin is inserted into the second pair of aligned holes, saidlocking pin and pin being independently insertable into and removablefrom the respective pair of aligned holes.
 8. The scaffolding as setforth in claim 7, the handle portion being substantially G-shaped. 9.The scaffolding as set forth in claim 7, the locking mechanism beingselected from the group consisting of: wingnuts, hex nuts, C-clips, wireclips, wire yolks.
 10. The scaffolding set as set forth in claim 7, saidhorizontal support member being vertically adjustable relative to thevertical support member.
 11. The scaffolding set as set forth in claim10, each of said plurality of first holes being vertically spaced fromone another, each of said first holes being associated with thehorizontal support member being in a corresponding vertical adjustmentrelative to the vertical support member so that when the pin is insertedinto the aligned pair of holes the horizontal support member is retainedin the corresponding vertical adjustment.
 12. Scaffolding comprising: asupport leg including at least a first and a second aperture formedtherein; a beam couplable to the leg so that when coupled thereto thebeam is supported by the leg and operable to support a worker elevatedfrom the ground; and a coupling mechanism removably coupling the beam tothe leg, said coupling mechanism including a first and a second pin eachbeing independently shiftable relative to the beam between an insertposition wherein the respective pin engages one of the apertures and aretracted position wherein the respective pin is disengaged from theapertures, said beam being movable relative to the leg when the firstand second pins are both in the retracted position and prevented frommoving relative to the leg if either pin is in the insert position. 13.The scaffolding as claimed in claim 12, each pin being independentlyrotatable when in the insert position.
 14. The scaffolding as claimed inclaim 12, said first pin engaging the first aperture when in the insertposition and said second pin engaging the second aperture when in theinsert position.
 15. The scaffolding as claimed in claim 14, said beampresenting an outermost side margin, said first pin including a handlepresenting at least a portion that is rotatable beyond the outermostside margin when the first pin is in the insert position.
 16. Thescaffolding as claimed in claim 15, said handle being substantiallyG-shaped.
 17. The scaffolding as claimed in claim 14, said second pinincluding a locking mechanism movable into and out of a locked positionwherein the second pin is prevented from shifting out of the insertposition.